OEING DEFENCE TO JOIN INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

BOEING Defence Australia has been invited to join the Prime Minister’s Industry Advisory Committee on Veterans’ Employment (IAC).

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said Boeing Defence Australia was an excellent fit for the committee as it has demonstrated over a long period its commitment to veterans’ employment.

“Boeing was recognised in the inaugural Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Awards, named as Large Business Employer of the Year in recognition of the work it does to provide employment and development opportunities for veterans,” Mr Chester said.

“Boeing will bring a great depth of experience on veterans’ employment issues, as it has active programs all around the world aimed at harnessing veteran talent.”

Through the Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Program, the Government has committed to working with an Industry Advisory Committee to deliver a number of important initiatives. 

Boeing will join a leading group of industry representatives on the IAC, who represent small, medium and large businesses across a range of industries in the private sector.

“Veteran employment remains a key priority of this government. Current unemployment figures compiled by the Department of Defence have the rate around 8 per cent after 13 months upon transition from the Defence Force,” Mr Chester said.

“I am keen to see this rate reduce and more businesses throughout Australia come on board with program to learn more about the benefits of employing veterans because quite simply, they are good for your business.

“We have delivered an awards program that saw more than 90 entries from a range of industries and launched a digital platform to promote the achievements of our veterans in the workforce and we are also hosting roundtables across the country to spread the word about the value of hiring our veterans.

“I believe deepening the capability on an already impressive advisory committee will help deliver even more employment opportunities for veterans in the coming year.”

Boeing Defence Australia has nominated vice president and managing director Darren Edwards as its representative. Mr Edwards was proud that Boeing had been recognised in the Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Awards and being asked to further contribute through the IAC.

“Veterans’ hard-earned skills and experiences are valued at Boeing because we know veterans make us better,” said Mr Edwards.

“Through the IAC, we want to encourage more companies to recognise those with military backgrounds are assets to any company. We look forward to working with our Committee partners to support existing initiatives and to identify new opportunities to provide meaningful career opportunities for veterans following their service.”

Chair of the Industry Advisory Committee, George Frazis of Westpac congratulated Boeing on its appointment to the IAC.

“We welcome Boeing to the IAC and look forward to working with Mr Edwards on this important program. It is also an opportune moment for me as Chair to acknowledge the hard work of the organisations already contributing their time and expertise to this program,” Mr Frazis said.

Boeing Defence Australia joins Westpac Group, Seven Network, Australia Post, CanPLAY, Serco Asia Pacific, PwC, ACCI, Allied Express Transport, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, Clayton Utz, Saab Australia and Raytheon Australia in the Prime Minister’s Industry Advisory Committee on Veterans’ Employment.

Details of the Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Program and case studies of veterans in the workforce can be found at www.veteransemployment.gov.au. Businesses wishing to receive information about upcoming events should register their interest at VETERANSEMPLOYMENT@dva.gov.au.